Linked Arms and Broken Elbows CHAPTER 4

“I will never forget, and I will never forgive.”1

Amy went home that day feeling out of breath and as if a hundred people were squeezing her head until it was nearly ready to bust. Malcolm wanted her to wait just one more hour until he was finished with football practice so he could drive her home. “I don’t think I can stand one more minute in this building,” she begged. And he understood finally after half an hour of reasoning.2

As she walked away, he watched her go, making sure nothing happened to her. He would keep his promise – “I always got your back.” Malcolm worried for her, and wanted her happy. He wanted her, knowing he could make her happy. But he figured she wouldn’t be ready for a relationship. But he knew she would want a friend.3

Amy’s mother sat on the porch swing, sipping on her tea and reading her book. The smile spread on her face told her she was having a good day. I don’t want to ruin it, she thought. 4

She tried to pass her by, “Hey Mom.” She was relieved she opened the door without a reply when her mother called out to her.5

“Now just wait a minute!” she laughed, putting her glass down on the nearby table and marked where she had had last read in her romance/crime novel. Amy turned toward her slowly on her heel. “Why, my goodness! There’s that pretty girl I’ve been waiting to see!” Amy adored her mother’s giddiness, wishing she could be as excited like she always was.6

Amy held her books against her chest, resting her chin on the edge of her binder. Her moms smile slowly loosened inch by inch until it was in a frown. “Sweetie, is something wrong? I’ve gotten the impression you’re trying to ignore me.”7

She was right. She was trying to ignore her. Ever since the party month ago, she felt like she didn’t deserve such a great mother – or a mother, period, for that matter. Not a million showers could make her feel clean again, never.8

Her mothers blue eyes filled with water. “It’s John isn’t it? You don’t like him, you’ve never have. I know you didn’t but I thought –”9

“No! Mom...” Amy sat down next to her quickly, hugging her tightly. When she let go, she held onto her hand. “John’s great. He’s been awesome to us, especially you. Sure he gets a little annoying when he tells me to call him dad... But no, nothings wrong, its just school. Exams and stuff, Y’know?” 10

At least the exams part was right, Amy thought.11

Her mother searched her face, her eyes, for a sign that she was lying. But lucky for her, Amy had gotten good at lying. Her hands don’t even tremble like they use to. “Well okay...” she sighed hesitantly. “But if anything goes wrong...”12

“You’ll be the first to know,” Amy reassured her.13

Her mom sighed again and fell back, slumping into the cushioned porch swing, tired from the emotional exhaustion. Amy gave her a kiss on the forehead and began to walk back into the house. She managed to open the door but again she was called out to.14

“Jasmine called by the way!” She waited to finish until Amy went back outside. “She said she was sorry and would call you later once Debate practice was over.” Amy nodded and finally made it up to her room, grabbing an apple on the way.15

Why should Jasmine be sorry? Amy thought. She hadn’t done anything wrong. Jasmine; sweet, innocent, and gorgeous. Amy suddenly felt a shock of jealousy when she thought ‘innocent.’ She would bet anything that Jazz was still a virgin and would bet her life that she had never had a drop of alcohol. Amy suddenly felt very angry with Jazz. Why wouldn’t I be? thought Amy. She’s everything I can never be again.16